When the family grows or the carpool gets bigger, a standard five-seat vehicle just doesn't cut it. This is where the three-row SUV comes in, offering a practical solution for shoppers who need more passenger capacity and cargo flexibility. These vehicles are designed to handle the demands of daily life, from school runs and grocery trips to family road trips and hauling sports equipment. With seating for seven or even eight people, they provide the space needed to transport everyone and their gear without feeling cramped.
The market for three-row SUVs is diverse, with options catering to a wide range of priorities. Some, like the Toyota Highlander, focus on a comfortable ride and user-friendly features, while others, such as the Chevrolet Traverse, prioritize maximum cargo space. You'll also find models that offer a touch of luxury, impressive performance like the Dodge Durango, or even fuel-saving plug-in hybrid technology in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. This guide will walk you through the top contenders, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the best fit for your family's needs and budget.
The Best 3-row SUVs
- Toyota Highlander
- Kia Telluride
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Dodge Durango
- Hyundai Palisade
- Kia Sorento
- Subaru Ascent
- Honda Pilot
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
FAQs What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different Shopping Tools Related Topics
1. Toyota Highlander
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great ride quality | Cramped third row |
| Easy-to-use technology | |
| Standard advanced safety features |
As a three-row midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander is built around the stuff family buyers actually use every day: flexible seating, easy storage, and a calm, comfortable ride. Cargo room is strong for the class, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row for groceries and backpacks, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Helpful touches—like quick-release latches for folding seats, a power liftgate on most trims, and available second-row captain’s chairs—make it simpler to switch between kid-hauling duty and road-trip packing, even if the third row itself is best kept for shorter trips or smaller passengers.
Tech is straightforward rather than flashy: the standard 8-inch touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (with physical buttons that are easy to use while driving), plus plenty of USB ports for a full cabin of devices. Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance features come standard, and with towing up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, the Highlander can handle small trailers and family gear without feeling out of its depth.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There is a wide range of trims, features, and prices that make up the Highlander lineup. Depending on your needs and budget, there might be an ideal setup for your family." - George Kennedy
Read our most recent Toyota Highlander review
2. Kia Telluride
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Outdated technology |
| Comfortable | Irritating lane-assist system |
| Great safety ratings | Sticky brakes in thick traffic |
The Kia Telluride remains an easy pick for three-row SUV shoppers who want something family-friendly without stepping up to a full-size SUV. On the road, its 3.8-liter V6 makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic, and it’s a smooth, relaxed setup for highway miles (our road-trip fuel economy landed right around the EPA’s 20-mpg combined estimate). Available X-Line/X-Pro packages add AWD hardware and extra ground clearance for light trail use, though the more aggressive X-Pro all-terrain tires can trade away a bit of on-pavement grip.
Inside, the Telluride earns its reputation with practical touches that matter every day—like strong second-row comfort (including available heated/ventilated seats), lots of charging/storage solutions, and a third row that’s usable for adults in a pinch. Cargo space measures 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and 87 cubic feet max, which works well for road-trip luggage and big grocery runs even if it’s not the biggest in the class. Safety is another strong suit, with a five-star overall NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, though the lane-centering system can be more frustrating than helpful on curvy roads; tech shoppers should also note the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, the Telluride was perfectly suited to long-distance travel–whether rolling down an Interstate, roaming a major city, or romping down trails near a national park." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Kia Telluride review
3. Chevrolet Traverse
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Irritating engine sound |
| Plenty of cargo space | Interior materials feel cheap |
| Impressive technology | Poor value for money |
If you want a big, modern-feeling three-row SUV, the Chevrolet Traverse brings a lot to the family-hauling conversation with bold styling, an enormous standard 17.7-inch touchscreen, and genuinely useful space. Behind the third row, it offers 22.9 cubic feet of cargo room, expanding to 56.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and a max of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, and for 2025 Chevrolet makes the Trailering Package standard, simplifying the path for buyers who actually plan to pull a small camper or boat.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, and while it delivers strong acceleration (especially with AWD engaged), the engine sound is a frequent complaint and front-wheel-drive operation can bring wheel spin and torque steer. The family-friendly basics are strong—available eight-passenger seating, comfortable first- and second-row accommodations, and a wide cabin—but the third row can feel claustrophobic due to the rear window design and it lacks third-row USB ports. On the plus side, safety tech is extensive, with standard features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, and available Super Cruise hands-free driving assist adds real long-trip convenience when it’s operating smoothly.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Chevy gets a lot of things right with the 2025 Traverse. However, there are head-scratchers related to quality and usability. From the unpleasant engine note and cheap interior plastics to the fussy wiper controls and aggravating third-row folding process, the Traverse regularly draws unfavorable attention to itself." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Chevrolet Traverse review
4. Dodge Durango
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning performance | Unquenchable thirst for fuel |
| Roomy, comfortable, and practical interior | Basic package of safety features |
| Modern infotainment system | Unimpressive crash-test ratings |
As a three-row SUV with genuine adult-usable space, the 2025 Dodge Durango makes a strong case for families who need seating for up to six or seven but still want a more old-school, muscle-leaning personality. This is the Durango’s final model year, and Dodge trims the lineup to GT (295 hp 3.6-liter V6), R/T (360 hp 5.7-liter V8), and the attention-grabbing SRT Hellcat (710 hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 645 lb-ft of torque). For everyday usefulness, the cabin is roomy and thoughtfully laid out, and the cargo area backs it up with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet max.
The Durango’s usability also comes through in the details: available second-row captain’s chairs, easy access to the third row via fold-and-tumble seats, and practical touches like rear climate controls, multiple USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. Every 2025 Durango gets the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which helps it feel more current than its age suggests. The tradeoff is safety, where the standard driver-assistance suite is thinner than most newer rivals, and crash-test results are merely middling—important considerations for three-row shoppers prioritizing the latest safety tech.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Though the Durango is now 15 years old, it has aged remarkably well and remains a likable if flawed midsize three-row SUV." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Dodge Durango review
5. Hyundai Palisade
CarGurus expert rating: 8.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | XRT trim loses luxury features |
| Great ride quality | Fuel economy lags behind top rivals |
| Spacious |
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV aimed squarely at families who want minivan-like usefulness without giving up the higher ride height and available all-wheel drive that help in bad weather. For 2026, Hyundai’s redesign brings a more upright shape and a calmer, more lounge-like cabin theme, and it can be configured for seven or eight passengers depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs or the standard bench. Day-to-day comfort is a highlight: the suspension is tuned for a quiet, controlled ride, and the standard 3.5-liter V6 makes 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity available when properly equipped.
From a usability standpoint, the Palisade covers the basics that matter in a three-row: USB-C ports and cupholders across all rows, available heated and ventilated second-row seats (and even heated third-row seats on higher trims), and sliding second- and third-row seats to juggle people and cargo. Behind the third row, cargo space measures 20.2 cubic feet with the third row scooted forward (19.1 without sliding), expanding to 86.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Tech is modern and family-friendly with available dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an in-car intercom, and available surround-view cameras, while driver assists like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking are standard. Pricing starts at $38,935 plus destination, and Hyundai’s long warranties add peace of mind, though EPA fuel economy of 21 mpg combined (FWD) trails some key rivals by a small margin.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an improvement over the outgoing version it replaces in every meaningful way. Consider the Palisade a top choice if you’re in the market for a three-row SUV that’s comfortable for the whole family. And if you’re planning to spend some time in the dirt, take a look at the new-for-2026 Palisade XRT Pro." - Jeremy Korzeniewski
Read our most recent Hyundai Palisade review
6. Kia Sorento
CarGurus expert rating: 8.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful engine | Interior materials feel cheap |
| Impressive technology | Cramped third-row |
| Great warranty | Not much cargo space |
If you want a three-row SUV that’s easy to live with every day but doesn’t feel as bulky as many midsize options, the Kia Sorento hits a useful middle ground. It’s sized like a larger compact crossover, yet it offers a third row for occasional duty—best for short trips or smaller passengers, with the understanding that adults will be more comfortable back there when the second-row seats slide forward. Up front, the cabin can feel surprisingly upscale in higher trims thanks to features like the panoramic sunroof and the wide 24-inch panoramic display setup, though some lower cabin materials still remind you it’s priced to compete.
For family errands and road trips, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the pick for most shoppers, with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and it pairs with available AWD that includes torque vectoring and a locking center differential. Cargo space is limited with the third row up (12.6 cubic feet), but it becomes far more practical with it folded (38.5 cubic feet), topping out at 75.5 cubic feet. Tech is a big Sorento strength—wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and available driver assists include Highway Driving Assist (and HDA 2 on upper trims), while safety credentials include a five-star overall NHTSA rating, even as IIHS criteria changes could affect Top Safety Pick status for 2025.
The CarGurus Verdict: "When something isn’t broken, you don’t fix it. That helps explain why the 2025 Kia Sorento is almost exactly the same as last year." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Kia Sorento review
7. Subaru Ascent
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Standard all-wheel drive | Unimpressive fuel economy |
| Great safety ratings | Outdated interior design |
| Good value for money | Irritating lane-centering technology |
If you want a three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Ascent is the brand’s go-to family hauler, blending everyday practicality with the ground clearance and dirt-road confidence many shoppers expect from a Subaru. All trims use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, and properly equipped versions can tow up to 5,000 pounds—useful for small campers or a pair of jet skis. Inside, the Ascent focuses on family-friendly details, like wide-opening rear doors, smart storage, and easy-access features that make car seats and kid gear less of a chore.
As a three-row, it’s sized to work for real life, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 75.6 cubic feet with the second row down (some figures dip slightly with the panoramic sunroof). Tech includes an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus available features like a surround-view camera and a camera-based rearview mirror, though the screen can wash out in direct sunlight and the native voice controls aren’t great. Safety remains a core strength, backed by strong crash-test results and standard EyeSight driver assists, but the lane-centering system can feel fussy—while fuel economy is another trade-off, especially in city driving.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Can the 2024 Subaru Ascent fend off refreshed rivals in the midsize three-row SUV segment? The Ascent has plenty going for it, from standard all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance to affordable prices and impressive safety ratings. But it comes across as a little quirky among mainstream choices, which could work in or against its favor." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Subaru Ascent review
8. Honda Pilot
CarGurus expert rating: 7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 23.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable | No hybrid option |
| Plenty of cargo space | |
| Plenty of passenger space |
For families shopping the best three-row SUVs, the 2026 Honda Pilot is an easy one to live with day to day, with a slightly tougher-looking refresh (including standard roof rails across the lineup) and a cabin that prioritizes flexibility. A big highlight is the removable second-row center seat, which lets you switch between a bench and captain’s-chair-style access, and Honda thoughtfully provides space under the cargo floor to stow that seat when you don’t need it. Cargo room is strong for the class: 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, up to 60.1 cubic feet with the third row folded (depending on second-row position), and a maximum of 112.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 making 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic; FWD is standard on Sport and EX-L while most other trims come with AWD. Honda also brings tech upgrades that matter for family duty, including a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety tech is comprehensive with Honda Sensing (including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control), and although crash-test results for 2026 weren’t published at the time of writing, the structurally similar 2025 model earned top marks. The main trade-off versus some rivals is efficiency: the Pilot’s top estimate is 22 mpg combined (FWD), and there’s still no hybrid option.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Clever features help the Pilot stand out from other three-row SUVs. Our only major complaint is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Honda Pilot review
9. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 38 miles of all-electric range | Nearly unusable third row |
| Standard all-wheel drive | Loud electric powertrain |
| Public fast-charging capability | Fast charging requires uncommon ChaDeMo plug |
As a three-row SUV pick, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes a strong case for families who want a plug-in hybrid without jumping to luxury-brand pricing. With an EPA-estimated 38 miles of all-electric range and standard all-wheel drive, it can handle short daily runs on battery power while still offering gas-engine flexibility for longer trips. The powertrain pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (131 hp, 144 lb-ft of torque) with front and rear electric motors for a total of 248 hp and 332 lb-ft, and it feels quick off the line—though the ride and handling can get a bit roly-poly, and both the engine and electric drive system are louder than you might expect.
Where the Outlander PHEV needs realistic expectations is in that third row: it’s technically there, but it’s far from adult-friendly, making this best treated as a roomy two-row with occasional emergency seating. Cargo space reflects that flexibility, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 30.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 66.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded (sunroof-equipped models dip slightly to 64.1 cubic feet). Tech is a highlight for the money, including available Nissan-sourced driver-assist features like MI-Pilot on higher trims, plus a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto requires a cable) and a crisp 12.3-inch driver display; safety equipment is extensive, with standard features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind-spot warning.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’re in the market for a three-row crossover SUV and want to explore your plug-in hybrid options, we can’t fault you for looking closely at the Outlander. After testing an Outlander PHEV in SEL trim, we loved its all-electric driving range but were unimpressed by the roly-poly driving experience, and we would reserve third-row vacancies for only our worst enemies." - Matt Smith
Read our most recent Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review
The Best 3-row SUVs FAQs
Which 3-row SUV has the most cargo space? If maximum cargo capacity is your top priority, the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot are standouts. The Traverse offers an impressive 97.6 cubic feet of space with both rear rows folded, while the Pilot is even more cavernous with up to 112.4 cubic feet. This makes them excellent choices for families who frequently haul bulky items.
Are all third rows suitable for adults? No, third-row legroom and comfort can vary significantly. Some models, like the Dodge Durango, are noted for having a genuinely adult-usable third row. In contrast, the third rows in vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are much more cramped and are best reserved for children or for very short trips.
Are there any hybrid or plug-in hybrid 3-row SUVs? Yes. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on this list is a plug-in hybrid that offers 38 miles of all-electric range, allowing for fuel-free daily commuting for many drivers. While not on this specific list, the Toyota Highlander is also available in a popular hybrid version, and other manufacturers are increasingly adding hybrid options to their three-row lineups.
Do all 3-row SUVs come with all-wheel drive (AWD)? While many three-row SUVs offer all-wheel drive as an option, it's not always standard. The Subaru Ascent is a notable exception, as it comes with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every trim level, making it a strong choice for buyers in snowy or rainy climates. Most other models offer it as an upgrade over the standard front-wheel drive (FWD).
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